This “firecracker” canister is one of several that will be placed around town to collect donations to the Southwick fireworks, set for July 25. (Photo by Hope E. Tremblay)
SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Rotary Club is making sure the town’s carnival and fireworks traditions continue this summer.
The fireworks, which is an effort of the Parks and Recreation Commission, was in jeopardy this year when the budget was slashed to $1,800. Coupled with the announcement that the Southwick Fireman’s Association would not run the carnival this year, and the fact that Whalley Park would not be open and therefore there would be no income from parking cars there, the Commission was worried the 60-plus year firework tradition would come to an end.
Resident Cory Flagg and the Southwick Police Association rallied to donate money to the fireworks fund and other residents and businesses followed suit.
After Selectman and Rotarian Joseph Deedy set the wheels in motion to bring back the carnival in addition to the fireworks, the Rotary sprung into action.
Rotary member Ellen Miles said Southwick Days, which includes the carnival, fireworks and Grill’n Daze competition, will take place July 25-27 at the Southwick Recreation Center on Powder Mill Road.
Although the Rotary has not organized a three-day event before, Miles said organizing Southwick Days under one umbrella should run smoothly and the Rotary members are excited to sponsor Southwick Days
“In the past we hosted a jazz concert, and although it was one day, it was a huge undertaking ,” said Miles.
Fireworks will be shot from Whalley Park, which will remain closed to the public, Friday, July 25 at dusk (around 9:15 p.m.) with viewing at the Rec Center and parking lots on the school campus. The carnival is set to open Friday from 5-10 p.m., Saturday form 3-10 p.m., and Sunday from 12-6 p.m. The carnival company will supply popcorn, fried dough and also some games. The Rotary will sell hot dogs, burgers and fries through the three-day event.
Saturday starting at 3 p.m., there will be a music program for youth. The Southwick Cultural Council has secured The Nields Kids Show of Northampton, designed for young children, held within the Southwick Rec Center starting at 3 p.m. Following this program, other music will be provided in the form of a “battle of the bands” competition. Depending on interest, prizes or trophies will be awarded. Details of this effort are still in progress but Rotary Interact President Eric Rizzo will assist in the organization.
Sunday is the Rotary’s annual Grill’n Daze BBQ competition.
Now in its seventh year, the cook-off will be held from noon until 6 p.m. The event offers samplings of BBQ beef, chicken and pork, as well as chili. Vendors and activities for all ages, including Dean Sleeper’s Garden Train, will be part of the fun. This year, entertainment will be provided by Jack and his Guitar of Southwick, featuring classic rock and easy listening oldies primarily from the sixties and seventies. Also featured will be the Rich Badowski Blues Band of Granby, Conn.
Admission to the competition is free and a cash bar will be available in a secured area.
The Rotary is fielding a team of volunteers to play against the Westfield Wheelmen, a vintage baseball club, playing according to rules of 1861 on Sunday.
A BBQ grille/smoker will be raffled. Tickets are $2 each or three for $5. In addition to prizes awarded for BBQ and Chili, there will also be a prize for best decorated booth.
Miles said the call for donations for fireworks continues. Donations will now be payable to Southwick Rotary Club, Box 701, Southwick, MA 01077. The Westfield News will run a listing of fireworks donors as well as the activities associated with the carnival, beginning July 7.
“The Southwick Rotary Club is very happy to be able to keep this tradition alive,” Miles said. “All the profits will go back to the town – and it’s going to be fun.”
